On the morning of 2/6, after several days of trial, the People's Court Area 10 - Lam Dong province, sentenced 33 defendants involved in violations at Paris Night bar, located on Pham Hung street, Phu Thuy ward. The establishment, registered in 2010, was a popular spot for party-goers in Phan Thiet and neighboring areas.

Toan, 58, from Nghe An, was convicted of harboring illegal drug use.

Defendant Manh Trong Toan, owner of Paris Night bar, at the trial. *Photo: Tu Huynh*

For the same charge, 14 other defendants, including business managers, human resources managers, security team leaders, customer service representatives, and service staff, received sentences ranging from 4 years and three months to 7 years in prison.

Additionally, 18 patrons at the bar were sentenced to 7 years to 8 years and six months in prison for organizing illegal drug use and illegal possession of narcotics.

The trial panel stated that the defendants' actions endangered society and disrupted local public order, necessitating strict punishment to deter, educate, and prevent crime.

The trial scene at People's Court Area 10 - Lam Dong province. *Photo: Tu Huynh*

At the court, the defendants admitted their criminal acts and requested leniency.

According to the indictment, Toan was the registered owner of the bar with four other shareholders, but he directly managed all operations. He hired Tran Manh Anh as legal representative and business manager, and assigned Pham Hoang Minh to oversee human resources and security. Investigation results and defendant testimonies revealed that Toan held weekly meetings with Anh and Minh to manage the bar's operations.

Despite knowing that many patrons used drugs, Toan instructed managers to inform staff to discreetly remind customers if they were found using drugs, rather than expelling them or providing drug paraphernalia. This directive aimed to retain customers and increase revenue.

On the night of 1/5/2025, over 300 officers simultaneously raided Paris Night Club, securing the entire premises. At five VIP tables, police caught more than 30 people organizing illegal drug use. Numerous exhibits, including synthetic drugs and drug paraphernalia, were seized for investigation. Subsequently, the bar owner and those involved were prosecuted and temporarily detained.

Binh Thuan Provincial Police raided Paris Night bar, catching dozens of patrons using drugs, on the night of 1/5/2025. *Photo: Public Security provided*

Prosecuting authorities stated that this management approach allowed illegal drug use to persist among patrons for a long time, posing significant public security and order challenges. Regarding other staff and remaining shareholders, investigators determined they were unaware of patrons using drugs at the bar on the night of 1/5/2025, thus lacking sufficient grounds to prosecute them as accomplices.

Tu Huynh